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The Washington Nationals turned to a local product to kick off the 2026 MLB Draft after adding Chris Hacopian, a graduate of Churchill High School, with the 11th overall pick. The infielder went on to star for two seasons at Maryland before becoming a key transfer portal addition for Texas A&M in 2026, now adding to the future of the infield in Washington, but the Nationals also added three others on day one of the draft as we break down the picks.
Second round, 42nd overall: TCU OF Chase Brunson
TCU outfielder Chase Brunson got the nod, giving the Nationals another productive batter within the organization. Brunson was named a Second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025 then honorable mention in 2026 while hitting north over .300 each of the last two seasons. Brunson also recorded double figure home runs in each of the last two seasons while also ending his college career with a 97.8% fielding.
Ranked the 38th best prospect by ESPN and 50th best by MLB.com, Brunson also split time as a senior after drawing 34 starts at center and 16 at right to go with the lone start as a DH, yet the offensive tools are clear after he posted a .304 batting average and led TCU with 11 doubles and 51 RBIs.
Third round, 78th overall: Franklin HS (PA) SS Luke Williams
The Nationals turned to a second outfielder after drafting Vanderbilt baseball signee Luke Williams. Williams flipped his commitment from Virginia to Vanderbilt on June 27, but is now expected to head to the Nationals and begin his pro career rather than head to Nashville. Ranked the 14th prospect in the 2026 class by Perfect Game, Williams also ranked the 57th best prospect by ESPN and 90th best prospect by MLB.com after making a name for himself defensively.
Williams, who also plays shortstop, played for the Detroit Tigers scout team in the USA Prime National program in addition to suiting up at Franklin Regional High School. The five-tool talent was also named a MaxPreps All-America Second Team selection after he batted .465 with 33 runs scored, 33 hits, eight doubles, four triples, four home runs, 17 RBIs and 33 stolen bases. He led the conference in runs scored and stolen bases.
Fourth round, 106th overall: Flower Mound HS (TX) RHP Cooper Harris
The Nationals' first pitching arm added through the 2026 MLB Draft came from Harris as the 6-foot-3 righty dazzled in front of scouts in February, notching 17 strikeouts in six no-hit innings. Harris was drafted exactly one month after turning 18, giving the Nationals a young arm to work with, as MLB.com noted he "operates at 90-94 mph and reaches 96 with his fastball, displaying the ability to create carry, sink or cut while commanding it well.
Harris, committed to Texas, ranks the 76th best prospect on MLB.com's prospect rankings compared to 119th on ESPN while he was named a Second-Team High School All American by Baseball America. As a senior, Harris allowed just five total earned runs across 70.1 innings to go with 94 strikeouts, 16 walks and just 28 hits allowed, possibly giving the Nationals' farm system a young piece to work with.
Nationals Roundtable also offers a fan community. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Nationals. Create an account, click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our free community and follow for all of our coverage, analysis and more!
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Second round, 42nd overall: TCU OF Chase Brunson
TCU outfielder Chase Brunson got the nod, giving the Nationals another productive batter within the organization. Brunson was named a Second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025 then honorable mention in 2026 while hitting north over .300 each of the last two seasons. Brunson also recorded double figure home runs in each of the last two seasons while also ending his college career with a 97.8% fielding.
Ranked the 38th best prospect by ESPN and 50th best by MLB.com, Brunson also split time as a senior after drawing 34 starts at center and 16 at right to go with the lone start as a DH, yet the offensive tools are clear after he posted a .304 batting average and led TCU with 11 doubles and 51 RBIs.
Third round, 78th overall: Franklin HS (PA) SS Luke Williams
The Nationals turned to a second outfielder after drafting Vanderbilt baseball signee Luke Williams. Williams flipped his commitment from Virginia to Vanderbilt on June 27, but is now expected to head to the Nationals and begin his pro career rather than head to Nashville. Ranked the 14th prospect in the 2026 class by Perfect Game, Williams also ranked the 57th best prospect by ESPN and 90th best prospect by MLB.com after making a name for himself defensively.
Williams, who also plays shortstop, played for the Detroit Tigers scout team in the USA Prime National program in addition to suiting up at Franklin Regional High School. The five-tool talent was also named a MaxPreps All-America Second Team selection after he batted .465 with 33 runs scored, 33 hits, eight doubles, four triples, four home runs, 17 RBIs and 33 stolen bases. He led the conference in runs scored and stolen bases.
Fourth round, 106th overall: Flower Mound HS (TX) RHP Cooper Harris
The Nationals' first pitching arm added through the 2026 MLB Draft came from Harris as the 6-foot-3 righty dazzled in front of scouts in February, notching 17 strikeouts in six no-hit innings. Harris was drafted exactly one month after turning 18, giving the Nationals a young arm to work with, as MLB.com noted he "operates at 90-94 mph and reaches 96 with his fastball, displaying the ability to create carry, sink or cut while commanding it well.
Harris, committed to Texas, ranks the 76th best prospect on MLB.com's prospect rankings compared to 119th on ESPN while he was named a Second-Team High School All American by Baseball America. As a senior, Harris allowed just five total earned runs across 70.1 innings to go with 94 strikeouts, 16 walks and just 28 hits allowed, possibly giving the Nationals' farm system a young piece to work with.
Nationals Roundtable also offers a fan community. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Nationals. Create an account, click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our free community and follow for all of our coverage, analysis and more!
Continue reading...
